Barry C Carden FCCA

barry@cardens4u.co.uk 

Qualifications: FCCA & business practitioner in NLP

Work Experience
I Left school at eighteen to take a job as a trainee accountant with a certified practice Gilbody Lonsdale & Journeux and worked directly for one partner in a small office and qualified aged 23.

I then moved to a larger 6 partner practice in Eastbourne, Price & Co where I
gained valuable post qualification experience and became manager to one of the partners looking after his portfolio with regard to work flow management, corporate taxes and review of accounts. I left aged 28 to take a managers role with Ashdown Hurrey in their newly formed Hove office following a merger with a locally based sole practitioner.

After eighteen months the sole practitioner who became a partner left the firm, leaving behind the Hove team. The partners of the firm backed me as senior manager and we managed to retain sufficient numbers of clients to make the office profitable. I was promoted to salaried partner in 1996 and became a full equity partner in 2001. During this period I oversaw an increase in the fee base of £300k

Following the retirement of the managing partner Merfyn Ashdown in 2003 I took on additional management responsibilities for the firm as well as the Hove branch. I oversaw the disposal of non core activities and managed the exit of a number of consultants and an entire branch.

In 2005 I decided that that there was little synergy left in the three remaining branches and that I would be better served concentrating wholly on the Hove office and working with locally based businesses.  This led to the birth of Cardens in April 2006.

Outside Interests
I am a keen sports fan and took up golf in 2004; previously I played Hockey for a local club where I was the club secretary for a number of years.

I have been married since 2002.    

Victoria Mason FCCA
Partner

victoria@cardens4u.co.uk 

Qualification: FCCA

Work Experience
I am one of the longest standing team members at this office having been recruited as a trainee back in 1997.  I qualified as an ACCA member in 2001 and started to look after my own portfolio of clients. I spent the next 3 years increasing my portfolio and gaining valuable work experience as Barry’s manager. In 2004 I felt confident enough to take responsibility for my own clients and this was confirmed by Barry by appointing me as an associate of the firm. 

So far, 2007 has proven to be a high point in my career, I was able to complete my qualification by obtaining my practising certificate and I became a partner of the firm.  I am very excited about the new Cardens and feel very privileged to be a part of the firm.

I look after a client portfolio ranging from the 'one man band' to £1.5 million turnover limited companies.  I especially enjoy looking after new small businesses and helping them to set up and grow. My strength is being able to easily communicate to clients and help them to understand their figures without blinding them with all the technical terms.

Outside Interests
I became a mother in 2005 and my daughter has helped me keep my work/life balance just right. I have always been an active person and enjoy sports such as basketball, cycling, aerobics. I also like any excuse to have a boogie. I enjoy watching the motor racing but it has tested my patience in recent times.

Brian Burchett

brian@cardens4u.co.uk 

I work as a manager and I am experienced in all aspects of audit, accountancy and taxation.

In my spare time I enjoy sports, walking and gardening.

Amy Gray ACCA

amy@cardens4u.co.uk   

Work Experience:
After graduating from Sussex University with a BSc in mathematics, I joined the company in June 2003, as an accounts trainee.  I successfully completed all my professional exams with first time passes and officially became ACCA qualified in February 2007.  At this time, Barry appointed me as one of his managers, and I am therefore responsible for a section of his client portfolio with regard to accounts review, corporate and personal taxes. 

Outside Interests:
Once all my exams were finished, I found myself with more spare time than I knew what to do with!  On the keep fit front, I now enjoy walking, aerobics and playing tennis.  And on the social front, I am always keen to catch up with friends, usually over pizza and wine, and will often be found in the pub quiz on a Sunday night.

James Phillips MAAT

james@cardens4u.co.uk 

I have been a trainee with Cardens since June 2002. During which I have successfully passed my AAT exams and I am currently sitting my professional ACCA exams.

I am also responsible for the maintenance and purchasing of computer hardware and software.

In my spare time I am part of the Senators Marching Band, seven times British Champions, where I play in the percussion section. We travel all over Europe competing in shows, as well as helping to educate school children in the local area of Eastleigh Hants.    

Andy Dunham MAAT

andrew@cardens4u.co.uk 

I joined Cardens in September 2006 after becoming ACCA part qualified in June, prior to Cardens I have worked in practice for 3 years and became a member of the AAT whilst working in industry for 2 years.

I enjoy socialising with my wife and friends.

Roz Rachman

roz@cardens4u.co.uk 

I have been a trainee with Cardens since August 2006. I have successfully passed my AAT exams and I am currently sitting my professional ACCA exams.

My interests include scuba diving, walking, reading and socialising with my family and friends.     

Jakub Zywiolek

jakub@cardens4u.co.uk 

I joined Cardens in June 2006 currently undertaking my second year ACCA training.  I graduated in 2004 with a Masters degree in Banking and Finance.

My interests include body building, golf and squash.

Fiona Brent

fiona@cardens4u.co.uk 

I joined Cardens in February 2007 as a trainee.
My interests include socialising, reading fiction and solving puzzles.

Lynda Weinberg

lynda@cardens4u.co.uk 

I am responsible for maintaining our client’s payroll and I also do VAT Returns and bookkeeping at some of our client’s premises.  You will find me in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

My hobbies and interests include cooking, gardening, walking, reading and travelling, especially on cruise ships.

Elaine Glance

elaine@cardens4u.co.uk 

I am the Office Manager at Cardens and am responsible for the sales and purchase ledger for the company and the smooth running of the office.  I will greet you with a friendly voice on the phone and a smile in person.

My interests include reading, especially Harlan Coben and Patricia Cornwell novels, listening to music and spending time with my husband.   

Kim Strachan

kim@cardens4u.co.uk 

I am a secretary for Cardens Accountants and have been here since January 2005.  I work closely with Elaine and I am responsible for all outgoing correspondence and looking after your statutory books and your company records.  

In my spare time I enjoy swimming and playing pool.

Tahilyn Carden

tahilyn@cardens4u.co.uk 

I am part of the team at Cardens Accountants as a Clerical Assistant.

My hobbies are Salsa dancing, spending time at the Gym and I enjoy very much the company of my husband and friends.